(“When you lose one fight it’s a bad night, but when you lose three it’s a shitty night.” – Wittman on what’s at stake this weekend.)

One of the most respected striking coaches in the game, Trevor Wittman, will have his hands full on March 19th, with three of his fighters competing at the long anticipated UFC 128: Shogun vs. Jones event in Newark, New Jersey. Eliot Marshall will look to make a successful return to the UFC against Luiz “Banha” Cane, Nate Marquardt will square off against Dan Miller, and Brendan Schaub will face the toughest challenge of his career against the legendary Mirko Cro Cop.

Wittman is a head coach at the Grudge Training Center, which is located at the City of Wheat Ridge, suburbs of Denver, Colorado. Grudge Training Center is represented by top ranked MMA fighters such as Nate Marquardt, Brendan Schaub, Gerald Harris, Shane Carwin and many others. Here’s what Trevor Wittman had to say about the upcoming UFC 128 fight card, the evolution of Mixed Martial Arts, ZUFFA’s purchase of Strikeforce and much more.

Cagepotato Comments

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Darcie's Father, do you think that CroCop is a tougher test than Big Country?

darciesdaddy- March 15, 2011 at 11:03 am

Dubbayoo Says: Is CroCop really the toughest test of Schaub’s career? More than Gonzaga and Big Country? I don’t know about that.

Shaub already failed the test against Big Country, so he better hope that CroCop isn't a tougher test...

RwilsonR- March 15, 2011 at 10:41 am

I would think a Jewish man like Schaub might be a little more wary about getting a tattoo used to identify him on his arm.

Tiger Blood- March 15, 2011 at 10:25 am

Really CP!?! If you are not going to post an interview you conducted you can at least avoided cutting and pasting the intro to the interview too... C'mon Man!!

Tai-Pan- March 15, 2011 at 9:24 am

What are the odds on the Shaub Mirko fight? I'll always be a fan of Cro Cop but I can see Shaub outworking him to an easy decision or possible late finish. Although I think Cro Cop could possibly catch him with a sub late. I'll bet Cro Cop doesn't even throw one high kick

Goog- March 15, 2011 at 9:18 am

Brendan's fate is on the back of his arm. Historically, people with their own names tattooed on themselves never get very far.

Dubbayoo- March 15, 2011 at 8:50 am

Is CroCop really the toughest test of Schaub's career? More than Gonzaga and Big Country? I don't know about that.

Smitty- March 15, 2011 at 8:39 am

I don't know "Wood", I think Schaub has a pretty good chance of winning. He's pretty aggressive, and Cro Cop seems to have a hard time with aggressive fighters at this stage of his career. Either way, this should be a pretty decent card. I'm just pumped for that LHW championship bout!!!!

danomite- March 15, 2011 at 8:26 am

this guy has really blown up since Christian Bale portrayed him in that movie.

RwilsonR- March 15, 2011 at 8:25 am

I didn't read the interview, but I agree with the headline. CroCop has always had trouble cornering his opponents in the octagon like he would in the ring.

SteveyJBond- March 15, 2011 at 8:21 am

Random choice for a headline... you lifted a section of someone elses interview that has no reference to Octagon size issues. Just seems odd.

Dog Dicks Magoo- March 15, 2011 at 7:54 am

I hope Mirko kicks the shit out of him and then goes fishing.

Morningwood- March 15, 2011 at 7:28 am

Wittman may have a 2/3 shitty night. As only Nate will most likely win. CroCop maybe past his prime, but he should be able to beat Schaub.